2020 Key Employment Law Changes In California

California appears to be working to make the state’s workplaces more family- and parent-friendly as a whole. Much like the improved paid family benefits mentioned above, the expanded lactation accommodations offered by SB 142 offer parents another way to put their families first.

SB 142 presents a number of requirements for employers:

• Employees must have access to lactation rooms or locations WHICH MUST…
  • …be close to employees; work areas AND
  • …be free from intrusion and shielded from view AND
  • …have certain features (i.e. electricity)
• Employers must also provide other accommodations nearby
  • Sink with running water
  • Refrigerator
• Employers must create and implement lactation accommodation policies that detail…
  • …employees’ rights to request lactation accommodation AND
  • …how employees can make such requests AND
  • …employees’ rights to file complaints with the Labor Commissioner in the event of a violation

Employees Now Eligible to Seek Penalty for Late Wages

AB 673 approved October 10, 2019

AB 673 amends the California Labor Code. Before AB 673’s approval, the process of seeking penalties for late wages from an employer was not possible. This amendment means that:

• Penalties for late payment of wages may be recovered by the Labor Commissioner (as a civil penalty payable to the affected employee) OR
  • …by the employee as a statutory penalty

An initial violation warrants a penalty of $100. After this point, subsequent violations incur a penalty of:

• $200 per failure to pay each employee PLUS
  • …25% of the amount unlawfully withheld

Minimum Wage Raise of One Dollar

SB 3 approved April 4, 2019

If you’ve worked minimum wage positions in California for some time, you’re probably already aware of the state’s increasing lower bar for pay. SB 3 raises the minimum wage throughout the state once again. Employees at companies with 25 or fewer workers will see $12 an hour; those who are employed by larger companies will make $13.

Serious Occupational Injuries Must Now be Reported Immediately

AB 1804 approved August 30, 2019

Those who work in notably dangerous industries (like the manufacturing, construction, or industrial sectors) may be most likely to be impacted by this change, but anybody can get hurt on the job.

AB 1804 mandates that employers report serious occupational injury or illness immediately through an online OSHA portal. This portal is not currently available; until its release, employers must make these reports through telephone or email. This injury or illness report does not replace any reports already legally required. It is a separate and additional report.

Asbill Law Group: A Professional Law Corporation

At Asbill Law Group, we offer Sacramento residents employment law and business litigation services. Our team of capable and experienced attorneys works diligently to ensure that each client understands the unique characteristics of their case. We tirelessly pursue our clients’ rights in an effort to protect and maintain justice.

If you have questions about upcoming changes in California employment law or if you believe you may require legal assistance with a prior or current occurrence contact our offices today at 916-877-4227. The Asbill Law Group legal team helps to enforce employee rights, help organizations navigate complex litigation issues, and more.